In high school I played three sports, which were football, basketball, and baseball. I played football for two years but then had to stop due to concussions and doctors thought that they could impact me further in life. I played baseball and basketball year around all four years in high school and loved it. Currently in college I play intramural basketball.
My female athlete that I would like to see compete the most would be Cheryl Miller. I chose her because she was so dominant when she played for the University of Southern California in the early 1980's. She changed the way women were perceived in basketball and sports, and really led to opening the doors for athletes today. Another amazing thing about Miller is the fact that she was actually drafted by a mens basketball league after college. She did not get to enjoy much success after college however, because a knee injury ended her career.
The male athlete that I would like to see would be Larry Bird. I would like to see Bird because he was someone that played with extreme passion for the game, and played for the name on the front of the jersey instead of the name on the back. That is part of the reason why Bird went on to win three NBA Championships. Another reason I would like to see Bird play is because he was a key part in saving the NBA. When he and Magic came into the NBA the NBA Finals games were being recorded and then shown late at night rather than during the time that they actually were happening because no one really cared about what the games offered. But, when the Bird and Magic rivalry started people started caring and it really created a new, unprecedented interest in the game that helped propel it to where it is today even before Michael came along. Another reason I find Bird so interesting is the success he had off of the court. Along with three MVP awards, three NBA titles, Bird has also won the NBA Coach of the Year award (1998) and NBA Executive of the Year award (2012) making him the only person in NBA history to hold all of those awards.
I have no issue with the topics that we will be discussing this semester in class.
Hi Zane,
ReplyDeleteThis is a nicely written introduction. I know where Bath, OH is since I formerly lived in that area and taught tennis at Towpath Racquet Club. I'm not sure if the address is in Bath, but it is close. Were you ever a Lebron James fan since he was from there? I wondered how you became a fan of all Boston teams (except the Patriots)?
I can tell you know your NBA basketball history, and you are correct about the change in popularity that occurred as a result of the Bird-Magic rivalry. Theirs was an intense rivalry to watch. I also thought it was interesting that you pointed out about Bird being named Coach of the Year and NBA Executive of the Year. I remember when Magic tried his hand at coaching the Lakers - I think he lasted about 6 days! So far, Jordan does not seem to have been as successful as an Executive as he was on the basketball court. So Bird is really distinctive in that sense.
Good job on your Introduction and I look forward to reading more of your entries!
Dr. Spencer
I was, then wasn't, and now I am a LeBron James fan. I like him because of the maturation process I have seen in him over the last few years, and how he has taken responsibility for himself and has stopped trying to be what everyone has wanted him to be since he was at St. Vincent St. Mary's.
ReplyDeleteThe Boston sports alliance comes from a couple of reasons. First of all, my dad is from Boston so thats how that started. I remember going to my grandmothers funeral and her brother was talking about watching the all-time great players play so I immediately was entranced with the Red Sox from a young age. My dad is also a huge Bruins fan so thats how I like them. As for the Celtics I love the old school mentality of the team. Kevin Garnett does not want to be your friend at any part of the game. The players stick to each other and rely solely on each other to be accountable and get the job done. As for the Patriots, I just really do not care that much about football to be honest.
I too have seen a maturation process in Lebron and can appreciate him more now. What amazes me to hear is the speculation that he could return to the Cavs when his contract with the Heat expires in 2014. Chris Broussard was talking about it today on Sportscenter. Do you really believe that could happen?
ReplyDeleteDr. Spencer
I don't think that that is too unfathomable. LeBron does have a house built in Bath that is completely tailored to him. Not to mention his kids are entering school age and he may want them to go to StV St M just like he did. I feel like he will want to be back home and be able to relax, it really depends on the fans as well as Dan Gilbert who may have burnt that bridge the night of the decision.
DeleteZane
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen wisely in terms of your sports alligences. Cleveland teams have left thier fans in heartache more times than not. On the other hand the Boston teams have had more success over the past decade to give you some satisfaction in regards to playoff success. I'm a Chicago fan (Cubs and Bulls), so I'm hpoing that success can come over to us in the upcoming seasons.
-Tyler Kieffer
Tyler,
DeleteThe Bulls are nearly there and once Rose returns, look out! Their only obstacle is Miami and they have played them well in the past so I think its just a matter of experience for the Bulls. As for the Cubs, well.. good luck.